August 6, 2012

Dear Pastor and Church Family,

Baptist Church Planting Ministry has now entered its 20^th year of ministry. God has been so gracious to allow us the honor of assisting so many churches.

As we move through the summer months, I have the joy of hearing from pastors of many of the young churches. I am able to rejoice with them on the reports of their Vacation Bible Schools, youth going to Bible camp and outreach ministries that the pastors have been using to challenge their congregations to evangelize in their communities.

There have been several churches that have moved into larger facilities or even purchased buildings, renovated them and moved in. God has blessed hard work and faithful service.

When at home, I have had the joy of teaching our adult Sunday school class. I was also able to present BCPM to some new churches in South Dakota and bring reports to others. While in Rapid City, I had the honor of helping at the Lighthouse Baptist Press. One of the goals of the press is to prepare a million copies of the KJV parallel Ilocano/English book of Romans. They are partnering with two other Bearing Precious Seed ministries.

God always works His plan. One morning in South Dakota, I tried to reach the Lighthouse press to go over and help with the work. I was not able to reach anyone so stayed at the camper and spent the time reading outside. Suddenly an alarm in the camper went off that I was not familiar with. I did smell an odor, but could not identify it.  We finally located one of the gas stove burners that was not in a fully “off” position.  Propane gas does not have an added odor like natural gas does. Praise the Lord I was not able to go to the press!

It has been a blessing that Bible Baptist Church in Beckley and Beacon Press in Columbia, SC, have been so diligent in spite of challenging time schedules and weather.  They have had each of the John/Romans ready on the time line needed for the start. The Scripture portions have been delivered in Thornton, CO, and Simi Valley, CA, to be prepared for distribution.

Would you also consider a special offering or a VBS offering to help purchase four-color covers for the John/Romans? We had a gift a few months ago to make an initial purchase of 500,000. These will need to be replaced as new churches are started. Over 175,000 have been used to date.  Any gift, small or large will be blessing

Thank you for all of your faithful prayers for each and every staff member. It is God’s grace and your prayers that keep each healthy and safe as many miles are traveled.

Because He lives, we serve,

Loren & Bev Steven

Field Representative